- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice wine or sherry, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Coat the Beef:
- Rub the marinade all over the beef belly, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare for Cooking
- Pat Dry:
- Remove the beef belly from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Coat with Cornstarch:
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the surface of the beef belly and rub it in lightly. This will help create a crispy exterior.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
- Arrange in Air Fryer:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the beef belly in the basket, ensuring it is not overlapping.
- Air Fry:
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the beef and your desired level of crispiness.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Rest:
- Once cooked, remove the beef belly from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the crispy beef belly into thin strips or cubes. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles, and your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Tips and Variations
- Additional Seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings like paprika, cumin, or chili powder to customize the flavor profile.
- Crispiness: For extra crispy beef belly, you can increase the cornstarch coating or cook for a few minutes longer in the air fryer.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a dipping sauce like hoisin sauce, sriracha mayo, or a simple soy sauce and vinegar mix for added flavor.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Crispy Beef Belly is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of marinated beef with a satisfying crunch, thanks to the air fryer’s cooking method. This recipe is straightforward and ensures tender, juicy meat encased in a crispy, flavorful crust. Enjoy this dish as a main course or appetizer and impress your family and friends with its deliciousness. Happy cooking!
This recipe will surely captivate readers with its detailed steps and enticing flavors, encouraging them to try it out and enjoy the results.